Crime & Safety
Firefighter Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Blaine Crash
Police say the driver was sleep-deprived and admitted to using marijuana and cocaine before the fatal crash in Blaine, Minnesota.
A Michigan firefighter has been changed with vehicular homicide in connection to a single-car crash on Interstate 35W in Blaine, Minnesota that killed two of his fellow firefighters.
The Anoka County Attorney’s Office Tuesday charged Michael Allen Johnson, 28, of Baraga, Michigan, with two counts of felony criminal vehicular homicide.
A total of 11 firefighters were on the truck during the time of the crash. They were traveling in a caravan to a wildfire in Utah.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Johnson was in the driver’s seat when law enforcement arrived on the scene. Authorities say they noticed signs of impairment and combative behavior from him.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Johnson later told investigators that besides a 45 minute nap, he hadn't slept since 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, the day before the crash.
Johnson also admitted to using marijuana on the day of the crash and cocaine on Aug. 25.
Johnson also told authorities he believes he fell asleep while driving and woke up to his passenger yelling at him as he veered off the road.
A total of 9 occupants were in the vehicle, 2 of which were confirmed dead.
Johnson appeared in court for a hearing in Anoka County District Court Tuesday.
Images via Anoka County Jail
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
